Bethlehem, Israel: Shepherd’s Field

 

Not too far from Manger Square, is an area of fields where the appearance of the angels to the shepherds likely occurred.

Shepherds were considered some of the lowliest people on the social structure, so the appearance of angels to them certainly tells us something about how God views man.

To reach the Franciscan Church, which is about a mile and a half from the town, depart from Manger Square by the main road. You’ll turn right at the sign for Shepherds’ Fields.

As you descend the steep hill for approximately a half mile, turn left at the sign “Welcome to the Shepherds’ Fields, staying left down the hill.

Among the trees you’ll come to the Franciscan Compound. There is also an Orthodox Church nearby built in 1989 where the remains of a fourth-century church are located.

It’s very peaceful and beautiful to be here at sunset and imagine what it must have been like on that first Christmas. Many tour groups do visit here and some actually plan to be here on Christmas Eve.

The Basilica is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m and again from 2:30 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.

 

 

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